What Are Direct Payments?

A Direct Payment is an amount of money that you may be able to get instead of traditional services from your local Health & Social Care Trust. It will enable you to arrange your support in a way that suits you best.

You can get Direct Payments if

You are over 16 or

You are a parent/guardian of a child under 16 who may be eligible

You are assessed by a Social Worker or Care Manager as needing personal social services

You are willing and able to manage Direct Payments (with as much help as necessary)

You need help with daily living tasks

You can use Direct Payments to arrange your own support at home, as well as daytime activities and respite.

You can choose to have a combination of Direct Payments and services from the Trust.

Direct Payments are available to disabled people with any impairment, including learning disability, mental health service users etc.

Direct Payments are available to

Disabled people

Older people who require support

People with enduring mental health issues

Disabled parents

Parents of disabled children

Carers for services to meet their own needs

How can Direct Payments benefit me?

You will have greater choice and control in your everyday life and household

You control the money for your personal assistance

You choose who works for you, when they work and what they do

What are my responsibilities?

You will need to keep records so that you can account for the money

You will need to know what are your duties as an employer

You can get as much help as you need to handle the money and manage your workers

You will need to consider back-up arrangements, although additional support may be available in some circumstances

How do I find out more?

If you think you would benefit from having more control over the assistance you get, then Direct Payments may be worth considering.